Ten Questions to Ask if You Still Haven't Found a Job
Friday, August 17, 2012Today on Lets Get Working lets look at Ten Questions to Ask Yourself if You Still Haven't Found a Job (Extracted from Katharine Hansen, Ph.D.)
1. Are you networking?
It is really important to get out there and talk to people, let them know you are looking for a job. Be specific about what you are looking for I am looking for a clothing retail position. It is also good to have copies of your resume on hand so you can give it out to everyone who will take it. You can also talk to people already doing this job so you can gain insight into what the job involves and what skills you require.
2. Are you limiting your search?
Dont just relying on want ads in the newspaper or have Internet ads as only 20% of jobs are got this way. 80% of jobs are gotten through networking and cold-calling. Its best to incorporate every form of job-hunting into the mix cold calling, networking, internet, newspapers...
3. Are you targeting employers most likely to need your skills?
Its a good idea to have a comprehensive list of employers to target. Base this on various research criteria
you can target companies you most want to work forcompanies that are likely to have plentiful openings in your field, companies in particular need of the skills you have to offer.
Once you've researched them, you can approach them using various job-hunting techniques: Sending cold-contact inquiry letters that impress the employer with your knowledge of the company.Using your network to uncover people with an "in" into your target companies.Informationally interviewing people in your target companies.Watching for print and Internet want ads from the companies (but not relying solely on these ads).4.Are you spending enough time job-hunting?
Job-hunting should be a full-time job in itself. Try to connect with people in your network every day with the goal of setting up interviews with your contacts or people they've referred you to. Exhaust all avenues before moving on to your next job target. If you are stuck for ideas get talking to people and ask for advice from family and friends.
5. Do you follow up after sending out your resume?
It is really important to follow up your resume and cover letters with a follow up phone call or email. See if you can schedule an interview appointment? Those who proactively follow up are much more likely to get interviews and an interview is one step closer to a job.
6. Are you even getting interviews?
If you're following up but still not getting interviews, the problem could be your resume or cover letter. See previous LGW post on how to create your resume and write your cover letter.
7. How are your interview skills?
If you're getting lots of interviews but never make it past the interview stage, your interview skills might need some polishing. Have a friend conduct a mock interview with you and critique your performance. You may also need to work on how you disclose your disability to the interviewer. This needs to be factual and positive.
8. Do you send thank-you notes after interviews?
The common courtesy of a thank-you note might set you apart from the other people going for a job. The hiring decision may be between equally qualified candidates. If one sent a thank-you note, and the other didn't. Odds favour the candidate who thanked the employer for his or her time.
9. Do you follow up after the interview and thank-you note?
If you've sent a thank-you note and haven't heard anything by the time the employer said the hiring decision would be made, give then a call. Be polite but persistent. This kind of follow-up shows your interest in the job.10. Have you asked what you're doing wrong?
If you can, when you get a no, ask what you did wrong or what you could have done better? Some employers won't give you a straight answer but occasionally you'll find a sympathetic person who you had a good rapport in the interview with. Something may be revealed that can give you a more effective approach to your job search, it will have been well worth asking. If you are rejected, also be sure to let the employer know you're still interested in working for the company. That technique has paid off for many a job-seeker when the person the company hired didn't work out.
Until next time,
Enjoy the journey!
Martha!
